Senior executives attended a public meeting on Sunday attended by around 200 people including MSP Fiona Hyslop.

Scottish Water reassured locals that a full investigation would be carried out to establish why the main - a 27-inch pipe which normally supplies water to 25,000 properties - failed twice in a few days.

Submerged Playpark

Mark McEwen, Scottish Water's customer service general manager, said: "We have had teams on site all day doing everything they can and substantial progress has been achieved with the clean-up of customers' properties and providing the necessary support.

"We are committed to fixing this issue to ensure no further reoccurrence. We have taken immediate action to drain this section of main and will not return it to service at this stage unless absolutely necessary.

"This will provide immediate protection and reassurance for customers. This main also serves over 25,000 properties across Bathgate , Blackburn and Livingston and we have rezoned supplies to keep customers in water.

"We apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience caused and thank affected customers for their patience and understanding. Our priority is to make sure this cannot happen again."